Many takers for Ganesh idol immersion in artificial ponds

The efforts of Thane Municipal Corporation to save city lakes from pollution owing to idol immersions is finally paying off as the city is witnessing a spurt in the number of immersions in artificial ponds.

The efforts of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to save city lakes from pollution owing to idol immersions is finally paying off as the city is witnessing a spurt in the number of immersions in artificial ponds. The TMC had roped in a few experts to revive major lakes in Thane. In 2004,the then municipal commissioner Sanjay Sethi introduced the concept of immersing idols in artificial ponds. Statistics reveal that the practice is gaining acceptance among the public.

Though the Ganpati festival will be over only on September 3,the number of immersions in artificial ponds so far has surpassed the figures of the previous year. According to sources,around 24,793 idols were immersed at seven artificial ponds and two jetties constructed at Kolshet and Parsik Nagar. Last year,the city had witnessed only 23,811 immersions during the festival. According to civic officials,the total figure may touch 30,000 by the end of the Ganpati festival this year.

Except for Masunda lake,one of the largest lakes in the city,TMC has dug up ponds near all the lakes where the idols could be immersed. At Masunda,a partition has been built inside the lake to immerse idols. As majority of the idols are made of Plaster of Paris,they remain intact and are later removed by the civic staff and immersed at locations in the creek having considerable depth. Due diligence is taken in maintaining discretion while transporting the idols from artificial ponds to creeks.

Lakes in Thane around 35 were on the verge of extinction due to idol immersions. The toxic paints deplete the quality of water while Plaster of Paris clogs the natural springs inside the lakes.

In 1998,a project by four students guided and coordinated by Jidnyasa Trust had observed that 21,590.80 kg of substance(Plaster of Paris) and 20,446.68 kg of colour spoil the lake water when around 6,625 idols were immersed.

The study revealed that depth of the lake had decreased by eight feet in five years. The study was also selected for Indian Science Congress.

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